Thin-film freeze-drying of a Norovirus vaccine candidate

Abstract

A bivalent Norovirus vaccine candidate has been developed that contains Norovirus strain GI.1 Norwalk-virus like particles (VLP) and strain GII.4 Consensus VLP adsorbed onto aluminum (oxy)hydroxide. In the present study, we tested the feasibility of converting the vaccine from a liquid suspension into dry powder by thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD). With the proper amount of trehalose and/or sucrose as cryoprotectant, TFFD can be applied to transform the Norovirus vaccine candidate into dry powders without causing antigen loss or particle aggregation, while maintaining the potency of the antigens within a specified acceptable range. In an accelerated stability study, the potency of the antigens was also maintained in the specified acceptable range after the dry powders were stored for eight weeks at 40 oC, 75% relative humidity. The dry powder Norovirus vaccine offers the potential to eliminate the cold chain requirement for transport and/or storage of the vaccine.

Progress on Thin Film Freezing Technology for Dry Powder Inhalation Formulations

“…Using cryoprotectants such as trehalose or sucrose, the Norovirus vaccine was transformed into a dry powder, and TFFD was given without loss of antigen or particle aggregation while keeping antigen potency within a defined range. According to Xu et al, the dry powder Norovirus vaccine does not require a cold chain during storage and transit [45]. In another pharmacokinetics study, two formulations of remdesivir were prepared, remdesivir-captisol and remdesivir-leucine.…”